theStar: Six Residents’ Associations receive RM10,000 grant

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2013/3/19/central/12851870&sec=central

SIX Residents’ Associations (RAs) in Puchong were among the first in Selangor to receive RM10,000 under the RA Grant to enhance security and safety features in their neighbourhoods.

Bandar Puteri 12 RA chairman Alan Tam, whose association was among the recipients, said the grant would go towards installing additional security features such as boom gate and CCTVs in their housing area.

The grants were presented after a briefing by the Selangor Registrar of Societies (RoS) on the requirements and details of the initiative.

The grant, which is allocated under Budget 2013, is presented as an initiative to create a safe and harmonious neighbourhood.

The Government has allocated RM40mil for 4,025 RAs nationwide registered under the RoS for the RM10,000 grant.

“The RAs have to submit application forms either manually or online, complete with the proposed use of the grant, estimated cost of items and photos of the site,” said Selangor ROS director Noraffendy Abdul Khalid.

“Another requirement is for RAs to submit their yearly reports twice (on their activities and expenditure) to the Selangor ROS.

“RAs can choose from a list containing 17 items for their grant application. These include link fencing, cabin/hut for crime prevention activities, baton, walkie talkies and whistles.

“The grant is for procurement of new items; not for the maintenance or repair of existing features.”

Upon successful application, Noraffendy said money for the grant would be banked into the RA’s bank account for them to buy the items they applied for.

“The application process is quite straightforward, and is open to all RAs that were registered before the Budget 2013 announcement,” he said.

“I would encourage the RAs to submit their applications online for a speedier process.

“Those who submit early can take advantage of the RM8mil already allocated for the first batch of applicants in Selangor.”

There are 105 registered RAs in Puchong, and 1,627 in Selangor.

Also present at the briefing were Puchong parliamentary liaison officer Datuk Loo Yeng Peng, Puchong MCA chairman Datuk Wong Hock Aun and Serdang OCPD Asst Comm Abdul Razak Elias.

“The grant, allocated under Budget 2013’s fifth area of focus on people’s welfare, is also part of the National Key Result Areas to reduce crime in residential areas,” said Loo, who is also special officer to the Home Minister.

“The Government recognises that RAs play an important role in nation building, as well as advancing society’s level of thinking and standard of living.”

ACP Abdul Razak said crime prevention and national security were a shared responsibility.

“I urge residents to get to know their neighbours, and for RAs to work closely with their local police, and to foster closer ties.”

For details and to submit the application online, visit www.ros.gov.my

The deadline for application is June 30.

In an effort to reduce crime: Loo (third from left), ACP Abdul Razak (in uniform) Wong (fourth from right) and Noraffendy (third from right) with representatives of the six Puchong RAs that received the grant.